WNBA veteran Sophie Cunningham has never been one to bite her tongue, and her latest comments have sent shockwaves across the league. In a recent interview, the Phoenix Mercury guard boldly claimed that some WNBA teams are “lying” when they say they aren’t preparing differently for the Indiana Fever—the team headlined by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark.
“There’s not a team in this league that’s not circling Indiana on the schedule,” Cunningham said. “You can say it’s just another game, but that’s a lie. Everyone’s treating that game like it’s nationally televised—even when it’s not.”
Cunningham’s remarks come amid increasing scrutiny over how opponents approach the Fever, who, despite a losing record, remain one of the most-watched and talked-about teams in women’s basketball thanks to Clark’s star power. The Fever’s games routinely draw higher TV ratings, social media buzz, and sellout crowds—especially on the road.
What Cunningham seems to be highlighting is the double standard. While many coaches and players publicly insist that all games are treated equally, she argues that behind the scenes, teams are preparing harder and playing more physically when facing Indiana.
Her comments have added fuel to the growing debate around the Fever and Clark, who has already faced rough treatment from some defenders and has become a lightning rod for criticism, attention, and physical play. Some see the league’s reaction as standard rookie treatment, while others believe it borders on targeted hostility.
Cunningham, known for her intensity and honesty, defended Clark’s toughness but called for transparency in how teams approach high-profile games. “Let’s just be real,” she said. “You don’t roll into Indiana or face Caitlin Clark and treat it like a game in June. That’s just not how this league is working right now.”
Her statement has opened the door to more conversations around fairness, media attention, and whether the Fever—despite their struggles—are being treated differently by opponents in a league adjusting to a new era of visibility and hype.
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